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Service bulletins for the 2016 Kia Optima

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

293 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
PI1802_TSB_R82019-12-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB - Product Improvement Campaign: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
PS6162019-11-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PITSTOP: LOWER ENGINE SERVICE COVER BOLT LOCATIONS - This Pitstop provides information on the correct bolt location of the lower engine service cover on 2016-2020MY Optima 2.4L and 2.0L equipped vehicles. The lower engine service cover is secured by seven (7) retaining bolts. Installation of the two (2) long bolts in the incorrect location may cause puncture or damage to the oil pan in the event that the vehicle is bottomed out while driving. If the oil pan is damaged or punctured, the engine oil may leak, possibly causing engine damage. This
PI1802_TSB_R72019-10-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The KSDS detects vibrations indicating the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear. It is designed to alert the driver at an early stage of bearing wear before the occurrence of severe engine damage, including engine failure. If vibrations caused by bearing wear start to occur, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously, and the vehicle will be placed in Limp Home Mode. This will reduce further damage to the engine and ensure that the vehicle occupants are not exposed to the risk of a more severe engine failure. At that time, Diagnostic Trouble Code (“DTC”) P1326, specific to the KSDS, will be recorded in the ECU. The vehicle can continue to be operated for a limited time in Limp Home Mode, but it will accelerate slowly and have a reduced maximum speed. Also, engine RPMs will be limited to approximately 1800-2000 RPM.
TSBENG2062019-08-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: 1.6T GDI ULEV MIL ON LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR P0128 - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) on some 2016-2017MY Optima (JFa) 1.6T GDI ULEV DCT vehicles, produced from September 28, 2015 through September 03, 2016, which exhibit a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illuminated with DTC P0128, even though there are no system faults.
PI1802_OWNR2_OPT2019-07-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PI1802_OWNR2_OPT: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on some 2014 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") engines, and all 2015-2018 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L GDI and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI ("T-GDI") engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit ("ECU").
TSBENG205_R12019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
TSBENG2052019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
PI1802WX_TSB_R52019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
PI1802WX_TSB_R42019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
VPI1802WX_TSB_R32019-03-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE. VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X)- This bulletin has been revised to include additional information This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326..
VPI1802WX_TSB_R22019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 5, 12/20/2018) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326.
VPI1802_TSB_R62019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN:KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
DC_201901252019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS, January 25, 2019 Update - Dear Kia Retailer, At Kia, safety is a top priority and we wrote to you last August and again last October to provide you with updates regarding news reports about non-collision fires in Kia vehicles and the status of Kia?s cooperative work with NHTSA.
VPI1802_OWNER_OP2019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on all 2016-2018 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (?GDI?) and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI (?T-GDI?) engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit (?ECU?).
VSC152_DSM2018-10-09. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC152) - DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to replace the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Label on all 2015, 2016, and some 2017 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles produced from July 24, 2014 through June 12, 2017, and on some 2018 MY Stinger rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles equipped with Theta 2.0-T engines, produced from September 29, 2017 through November 20, 2017. An incorrect VECI label was installed during the production of these vehicles. The VECI label is extremely important when performing maintenance, emissions inspection, or ordering engine and engine management related parts. It also contains the code that tells a testing facility which test to perform to ensure the vehicle is tested to the correct emission standard.
VSC152_DP2018-10-09. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC152) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to replace the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Label on all 2015, 2016, and some 2017 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles produced from July 24, 2014 through June 12, 2017, and on some 2018 MY Stinger rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles equipped with Theta 2.0-T engines, produced from September 29, 2017 through November 20, 2017. An incorrect VECI label was installed during the production of these vehicles. The VECI label is extremely important when performing maintenance, emissions inspection, or ordering engine and engine management related parts. It also contains the code that tells a testing facility which test to perform to ensure the vehicle is tested to the correct emission standard.
VPI1802_QA2018-08-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. Q & A - This document is the Q & A for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1802_DSM2018-08-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTICE - This notice advised the dealer service manager of the new Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1802_DP2018-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTICE - This notice advised the dealer principal of the new Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
PS5392018-04-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
TSB-BOD1642017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN; VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: PANORAMIC SUNROOF INSPECTION AND REPAIR (SA270) - This bulletin provides information on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from September 28, 2015 to August 8, 2016, which may exhibit a buzzing noise that may increase with intensity in conjunction with the HVAC fan speed, a popping or clicking noise when driving over bumps or turning, and/or a loose folding cover, depending on the vehicle production date. For details regarding each type of inspection/repair, refer to its respective section below. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.
PS4812017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. PS481: DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) CHARACTERISTICS - All models with a 1.6L Turbo engine may come equipped with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), except the 2017MY~ Niro (DE) with a 1.6L Atkinson engine comes equipped with a 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This automatic transmission is unlike the conventional automatic transmission found in the complete line up of Kia vehicles. The new DCT improves fuel efficiency and can also provide a sportier feel. Certain aspects of this technology may lead to customer concerns if they are unfamiliar with it. To help maximize owner satisfaction on this new technology, Kia would like all dealership sales and service personnel to be familiar with the characteristics of this new transmission.
TSB-ENG159R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: E-CVVT COVER AND MOTOR PLUG REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information about the replacement of the E-CVVT cover and motor plug on some 2016MY Optima (JF/JFa), produced from August 29, 2015 to June 14, 2016, 2017MY Sportage (QL) vehicles, produced from December 10, 2015 to June 15, 2016, and 2016-2017MY Sorento (UMa), produced from October 27, 2014 to June 14, 2016, which may exhibit a MIL ON with DTC P001000 and/or oil leakage in the E-CVVT motor plug of applicable vehicle models equipped with 2.4L GDI or 2.0 T-GDI engines.
PS4692017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
TSB-ENG1612017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC16) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires the emissions data from vehicles with a minimum of 3,000 accumulated miles without reprogramming or resetting. To facilitate collection of this data at the dealer level, GDS/KDS screenshots will allow the capture of relevant parameters.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.